Associate history professor and facilitators help faculty develop meaningful course objectives in redesign workshop

Sarah Hamilton, associate professor of history and director of the Academic Sustainability Program, led the Academic Sustainability Program’s 2021 Fall Line Course (Re)Design Workshop at the Kreher Forest and Nature Preserve. Facilitators from the Sustainability Program and the Biggio Center for Teaching and Learning worked closely with a small group of participants to develop undergraduate-level classes that focus on themes of racial, social and/or environmental justice. These courses will qualify as electives in the sustainability studies minor, a designation that will assist faculty in attracting an eager audience of engaged and motivated students.

A group of fifteen participants, representing twelve departments and seven colleges from across the university, were selected to participate. Their planned courses included a wide range of sustainability-related issues as defined by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from masculinity, race and place to local environmental hazards. Their completed courses will be accepted as electives in the sustainability studies minor, a designation that will assist them in attracting an audience of engaged and motivated students.

Facilitators from the Academic Sustainability Program and the Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning helped participants to develop meaningful course objectives and craft innovative assignments. Topics covered included “backwards course design,” systems thinking, interdisciplinary teaching, support services and campus resources, and opportunities for service and experiential learning.